New Wits gym is open for business.
The new Wits gym is finally open for business and members of the Wits community are invited to sign up. The Wits Fitness and Wellness Centre has been open for business since January 16.
The new gym, situated on West Campus across from Hall 29, boasts a range of high-technology facilities including online systems for members to monitor how far they are coming along with their body goals.
Staff and students at Wits had grown weary of waiting for the construction and opening of the gym, which took about a year due to what has been described as “a contractual hold up”. But general manager Deen Rhoda says all frustrations are cleared once people see the new facilities. “As soon as they see the gym, they’re impressed,” said Rhoda.
Students are granted membership at a cost of R200 per month and staff, including alumni, are charged R250 per month. The membership fee includes access to group training classes such as aerobics and spinning.
Students who signed up early last year have to reapply for gym membership but those who applied from September onwards are already registered.
“Everyone is encouraged to sign up as soon as possible because membership will be capped at 5000 members,” said Rhoda.
Among the brag points of the new gym is the “wellness key” which stores information about the members’ recommended workout routine, body mass index as well as what machines they should be using. This key is given upon membership at a cost of R150. Personal trainers are also a service offering at an additional cost to be negotiated between the member and the trainer once assessments have been completed.
FEEL IT: The new Wits gym is finally here.
“We take you on your journey based on where you are,” said coach Siyanda Madwantsi.
Culture is important to the people at the wellness centre who aim to make the centre reflective of the Wits community and a different experience.
“The classes I’ve attended have been really good,” said Cathy Slabber who is a staff member in the chemistry department.
The new gym has 14 treadmills, weights that go up to 56kgs and secure locker systems with charging portals. “I think it’s awesome here, the old gym didn’t have as much equipment as this one,” said 4th year BA Film and Television student Ayanda Sibisi as she paddled steadfastly on an exercise bicycle.
Although having already opened its doors to the Wits community, the gym plans to have an official opening event in mid-March, the nature of which will be confirmed closer to the time.
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